Temple Bar saw a group of leading professionals in their field give short 20 minute presentations, introduced by Alison Gowman, Alderman for the Ward of Dowgate in the City of London and Chris Dyson Architect, Master of the Architects Company WCCA 2022-2023 – the themes of Fixing the Past and Planning for the future provided the structure for the symposium which well attended by 42 people. The theme Almshouses and LCAG net Zero is a direct consequence of a request by Upper Bailiff, Peter Baxendell, of the Worshipful Company of Weavers to address the Almshouses owned and run by 14 of the Livery Companies. Four of the 14 owned by Livery Companies are listed grade 2 or grade 2*. Alison Gowman Chair of the Livery Climate Action Group LCAG was present to start the morning which was hosted by Chris Dyson. The morning was full and provided insight into the world of Almshouses provision both past and present.
The programme included:
‘Fixing the past’…
10.10-10.30 Naila Yousuf, Wright & Wright “Refurbishing the 18th-century Almshouses, Museum of the Home, Hackney” Creative adaption of former Almshouses in a Museum of the Home visitor attraction
10.30-10.50 Michael Popper, P3r Engineers “Improving performance of listed buildings” 3 guiding principles of improving performance of solid wall construction listed buildings
10.50-11.10 Dr Roger Bowdler, Montagu Evans “Upgrading historic fabric and planning: Royal Hospital” A fascinating canter through history with a focus on Chelsea Pensioners hospital Grade1
11.10-11.20 Panel Q&A
‘Planning the future’…
11.40-12.00 Jenny Pannell, Independent consultant “Transforming Almshouses for the 21st century” A housing officers account of the issues as an end user practical and realistic
12.00-12.20 Alex Ely, Mæ “ Morden College: Social infrastructure for Almshouses: Morden College” A new build facility and all the social physical and emotional benefits of this. A great account of the facts, graphs and appraisal of this building type in scientific analysis.
12.20-12.40 Stephen Witherford, Witherford Watson Mann Architects: “The contemporary Almshouses: United St Saviour’s:” A new build facility in the heart of London and all the social physical and emotional benefits of this
12.40-13.00 Panel Q&A